Some Invasive species traveled here by accident through trade and human movement, others escaped from plant nurseries and gardens and others still were intentionally introduced by federal agencies as habitat and food for wildlife. 

Not all foreign plants are granted the  title "Invasive" but those that qualify are deemed to pose an economic or ecological threat to human interests. 

The topic of Invasive plants is highly nuanced and current policies often fail to address the underlying factors and tangled histories that have led to novel species invasions.

Invasive plants occur most often in degraded and changed ecosystems, especially in areas where human disturbance has occurred but current stewardship is lacking. 

Invasive species bring a specific risk of harm when they are introduced to areas containing already vunurable native species. The combination of increasing extremes in a rapidly changing environment and the introduction of novel species has been linked to population and habitat decline in native species.

Just as humans have contributed to the spread of invasive species we have an active role to play in the management of these species. 

Practices of early detection and rapid response is important reduce future management costs and protect sensitive communities of local flora and fauna.

Through Permaculture our team approaches management of Invasive plants via a whole systems approach. There are many principles of permaculture that can be applied to invasive plants; observation and interaction, obtain a yield, the problem is the solution, self regulation and feedback, to name a few. 

In these ways we aim to look beyond black and white narratives that label plants as good and bad. Instead we approach novel species from the perspective that all elements are interconnected and only through observation are we able to address and appreciate the tenacity and ecological functions these plants offer.

Invasive plants each have an ecological story to tell about the history of a place and the species present there. Our goals are to empower people to reclaim a sense of belonging and importance within these systems.

If we can find ways to utilize and value the plants that are currently here on the landscape we may be able to envision a future in which biodiversity and connection between people and planet thrive.

Its important to identify the conditions that have lead to the presence of novel species and create long term land management and stewardship plans.